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The Fortunate Ones
At Twin Oaks Country Club, there are the fortunate ones, and then there are the rest of us: the waiters, the caddies, the valets, and in my case, the cabana girls. Most days, I’m poolside in a pleated skirt, dishing out margaritas to tycoons and titans. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does come with one perk…
James Ashwood.
He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.
Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.
On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.
“Come have a seat.”
Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.
When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.
And the thing about the fortunate ones?
They’re used to getting what they want.
James Ashwood.
He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.
Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.
On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.
“Come have a seat.”
Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.
When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.
And the thing about the fortunate ones?
They’re used to getting what they want.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
2035 people are currently reading
5596 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Grey
51 books11.9k followersR.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five romantic comedies. She loves books, chocolate, reality TV, and cold weather. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog. Visit her at rsgrey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 901 reviews
February 15, 2021
TW : Sexual assault (played down as romance, because of course)
Wow, thank YOU for making me reacquainted with rape culture on page, I've missed it so much!!!
- Says no one ever.
So, you'll have to excuse me if this review isn't exhaustive and if I don't mention everything that annoyed the fuck out of me, but somehow I had convinced myself to let the flaws go in the beginning. Let it go, Anna, enjoy your damn book, Anna. Isn't it what so many readers LOVE telling me (in bullet points, wouldn't be funny otherwise, I suppose) in the comment section under my reviews? Yes!
Well. From now on I'll link to this review as a proof that it does not work. Sure, I was able to go past the stereotypes and repetitive ramblings and asshole moves and all the little things that show that RS Grey wants to write feminist heroines but genuinely doesn't know how to do it. Woohoo for that!
Unfortunately, even lenient Anna has a problem with non-consensual kisses, especially when the so-called hero repeatedly follows the same pattern of behavior.
First of all, I do not know what's supposed to be sexy about punishing kisses but I, for one, find them rather disgusting and appalling. I mean is there some parallel universe I should know about where forcing yourself on people gives them fuzzy feelings? Huh? Nope? That's what I thought.
REALLY THOUGH I genuinely need guidance to know when I am supposed to swoon here?
"Torn between wanting to submit to my desire or hold my ground, I turn toward him, and his mouth crashes down on mine without warning. He kisses me mercilessly even as I struggle against him. My hands fight their way between us and I try to shove him off, but his ironclad embrace is too strong for me to break. I know I won't be able to outmaneuver him, so I resist in a simpler fashion by holding completely still. He can force me against him, but I don't have to respond, and I don't have to kiss him back.
My rebellion makes him even more annoyed.
Okay so I'm going to be honest here because I don't even want to be sarcastic about it : these few lines made my heart beat erratically and my eyes water, because what we have here is the depiction of a sexual assault, and no, I'm not exaggerating. What we have here is a woman who makes it clear that she does not want to be kissed by the male character, whose physical force prevents her to stop him. I underlined the second last sentence because for personal reasons, it resonated strongly in me. What we have here is a woman who is forced to use the last defense we have when we're sexually assaulted, the very same that makes people doubt our words when we finally find the courage to confide in them about what happened to us.
So fuck you, book, for making me feel like shit in implying that such behavior is okay and should lead to romance (because it very much does, in the following pages).
But I told you earlier that it didn't happen once, but several times, remember?
"My mouth is open to shout at him yet again, but his lips crash down against mine in a punishing kiss. I struggle against him and his mouth turns merciless. I'm angry - livid, in fact. Tears of exhaustion and rage slide down my cheeks. I want my freedom, and I'm prepared to get it by any means possible. I even try one well-placed stomp on his foot, but he evades my assault and I grow still, defeated, allowing his lips to move over mine with fierce tenderness. Eventually, sick of my games, he pulls back and cradle my face between his hands."
Yet again another assault following the same pattern as the first. Except there, and that's why I underlined the words, the abusive behavior of the male character isn't apparently enough, but the woman is framed to be the abuser. How fucking SICK is that? So SHE is assaulting him? HE is sick of HER games? What kind of disgusting bullshit is that??
Few lines later, the heroine reassures the reader by telling us that once in the bedroom, he doesn't force her. I mean?? Am I supposed to be grateful that he's not a straight down RAPIST but ONLY a sexual ASSAULTER??? THE ROMANCE, PEOPLE. THE ROMANCE.
More generally, the power imbalance between James and Brooke is truly horrendous and difficult to read about.
To conclude : I will never read a book from RS Grey again, and I'm thoroughly disgusted that people are playing it down as ""alpha-male behavior"". Nope. Let's use the right words and call it how it really is : it is assault, and the male character is a bully and an assaulter. There. It wasn't that hard, was it?
PS. I realized after that they subtitled this book with the delightful 'a romantic comedy' and wow, way to make me want to puke.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
November 1, 2017
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I blink my eyes open to find him staring down at me with undisguised emotion—in fact, he’s looking at me as if I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and it’s too much.
THE FORTUNATE ONES is going on my list of top favorites written by the talented R.S. Grey! Fans of this author are sure to fall hard for this story and for those of you who haven’t tried one of her books yet, I strongly recommend this one! There is a healthy dose of angst and it only helped to make the romance more intense for me. While I was annoyed quite a bit with the Heroine, there wasn’t anything that I could find wrong with the Hero. James Ashwood is sure to become a #1 book boyfriend contender for many readers out there!
Brooke Davenport is a young woman whose life is stuck in limbo. She works as a cabana girl for one of the most exclusive country clubs in Austin, Texas. Brooke loathes her job but it’s been nearly impossible to find a position as an au pair. She studied languages in college and speaks fluent French and Spanish. Brooke’s exquisite good looks gets her plenty of attention from the opposite sex but it’s also the main reason she’s unable to find a job in her desired profession. No woman wants Brooke living under the same roof where she would be in close proximity to their husbands even though she isn’t the kind of girl who would ever get involved with a married man. There hasn’t been anyone who has been able to capture her heart until she sets her sights on one of the most powerful and gorgeous members of Twin Oaks country club—James Ashford.
There isn’t a woman within the city limits of Austin who hasn’t had naughty fantasies about James. Brooke tries to keep her crush on him a secret but soon enough the two cross paths at the country club and after a couple of short conversations, he is propositioning her to be his plus one at a dinner party. Their first date ends disastrously and there are mixed feelings of hurt and anger between them, but there’s also no denying their white-hot chemistry. Neither Brooke nor James are able to fight their intense attraction for each other and they end up giving in to their physical desires and while most women would be floating on a cloud afterward, Brooke is beyond spooked. During their pillow talk, James admits he’s looking to settle down and raising a family! Who would have thought the roles would be reversed in this situation? But there is a huge age difference between them and while James has sown his oats, Brooke is just starting her life as an adult and wants to travel the world. Settling down is the farthest thing on her mind, which also stems from her mother’s abandonment of Brooke and her sister Ellie when they were much younger.
Throughout the story, Brooke's constant push and pull behavior is beyond annoying! When she is forced to make an important life decision, will she choose wisely? Brooke is almost too stubborn for her own good and it might ultimately cause her to lose sight of where her happiness truly lays.
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Heroes: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
THE FORTUNATE ONES releases tomorrow! This is one of those romances that will completely sweep you away and at times have your gut wrenching but I promise you, this is a book you really shouldn’t pass up. You can pre-order it now for 99 cents! This is a BARGAIN! I’d be willing to pay more for it. It is just that perfect!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yYX3H6
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I blink my eyes open to find him staring down at me with undisguised emotion—in fact, he’s looking at me as if I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and it’s too much.
THE FORTUNATE ONES is going on my list of top favorites written by the talented R.S. Grey! Fans of this author are sure to fall hard for this story and for those of you who haven’t tried one of her books yet, I strongly recommend this one! There is a healthy dose of angst and it only helped to make the romance more intense for me. While I was annoyed quite a bit with the Heroine, there wasn’t anything that I could find wrong with the Hero. James Ashwood is sure to become a #1 book boyfriend contender for many readers out there!
Brooke Davenport is a young woman whose life is stuck in limbo. She works as a cabana girl for one of the most exclusive country clubs in Austin, Texas. Brooke loathes her job but it’s been nearly impossible to find a position as an au pair. She studied languages in college and speaks fluent French and Spanish. Brooke’s exquisite good looks gets her plenty of attention from the opposite sex but it’s also the main reason she’s unable to find a job in her desired profession. No woman wants Brooke living under the same roof where she would be in close proximity to their husbands even though she isn’t the kind of girl who would ever get involved with a married man. There hasn’t been anyone who has been able to capture her heart until she sets her sights on one of the most powerful and gorgeous members of Twin Oaks country club—James Ashford.
There isn’t a woman within the city limits of Austin who hasn’t had naughty fantasies about James. Brooke tries to keep her crush on him a secret but soon enough the two cross paths at the country club and after a couple of short conversations, he is propositioning her to be his plus one at a dinner party. Their first date ends disastrously and there are mixed feelings of hurt and anger between them, but there’s also no denying their white-hot chemistry. Neither Brooke nor James are able to fight their intense attraction for each other and they end up giving in to their physical desires and while most women would be floating on a cloud afterward, Brooke is beyond spooked. During their pillow talk, James admits he’s looking to settle down and raising a family! Who would have thought the roles would be reversed in this situation? But there is a huge age difference between them and while James has sown his oats, Brooke is just starting her life as an adult and wants to travel the world. Settling down is the farthest thing on her mind, which also stems from her mother’s abandonment of Brooke and her sister Ellie when they were much younger.
Throughout the story, Brooke's constant push and pull behavior is beyond annoying! When she is forced to make an important life decision, will she choose wisely? Brooke is almost too stubborn for her own good and it might ultimately cause her to lose sight of where her happiness truly lays.
Here are my overall ratings on the book:
Heroes: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
THE FORTUNATE ONES releases tomorrow! This is one of those romances that will completely sweep you away and at times have your gut wrenching but I promise you, this is a book you really shouldn’t pass up. You can pre-order it now for 99 cents! This is a BARGAIN! I’d be willing to pay more for it. It is just that perfect!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yYX3H6
November 1, 2017
4.5 stars!
Review and Excerpt at Of Pens and Pages.
R.S. Grey sure can write rom-com! The Fortunate Ones is the kind of story that creeps up on you and fully puts down its roots in your heart until you're sure it would stay there, and you don't even notice it until the deed is done. That's how I felt when I finished reading this book. The story is engaging, sexy, and hilarious, and I devoured this from start to finish.
Twin Oaks is an exclusive country club for the elite, the richest and most powerful in Austin, Texas, and Brooke Davenport is at the heart of it. She’s working there as a cabana girl until she finds a new position as an au pair and goes back to teaching Spanish or French.
What she imagined as an unimaginable time at the country club is anything but because of a certain patron. James Ashwood, a man everyone at the country club and pretty much the world fawns over. The seemingly larger than life man has caught the attention of everyone at the club, even Brooke, and when he suddenly starts talking to her, she’s pulled in a whirlwind romance with a man she knows she shouldn’t have.
He and Brooke are at different stages of their lives, and it’s hard to find a compromise for them, because no matter what happens, one of them has to sacrifice their goals to be together.
My heart belongs to James Ashwood. He’s so consistent, so steadfast in his feels. Omggggggg I might just die with the feels. At 36, he’s ready to settle down and make a home of his house. Once he falls in love, he falls hard. I was swooning so much that this man who’s been so used to being alone has fallen in love with Brooke, and gah. His love is the kind that stands through time and distance, I swear.
I can understand why it took them a while to end up together, and I’m actually happy with the path Brooke and James chose. It helped them grow more into themselves, and they ended up as better people because of it. I feel like although the two have a deep love already even at a short time, it wasn’t the right time for them. Their relationship would have been filled with resentment and regret if they started right away, and it wouldn’t bode well for them. I have to be honest and say though that it annoyed me at times when Brooke would come running back every time she pushed James away. I felt like she was stringing him along.
I was only 14% in and I was hooked with the hilarious banter between Brooke and James, and basically everyone in the story. Plus, the chemistry is amazing, it's so hard not to root for them. By the end of the story, I'm completely in love with James Ashwood (I totally get why everyone at Twin Oaks is obsessed with him! I would be if I worked there lol), I'm attached to Brooke and James' romance, and I want to read about Ellie, Brooke's sister! But mainly I want to read more about James and Brooke. Call me selfish, but I want me some more James.
The Fortunate Ones had R.S. Grey’s signature humor and fantastic banter, and while it feels familiar, it’s also more mature and a little bit angstier than her past works. I’m pretty sure I love this book as much as A Place in the Sun. The Fortunate Ones makes you laugh then punches you in the face with feels—happy and sad—before wrapping you up in love and sexual tension and the best happy feels a book can give.
Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire
POV: First Person, Female POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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Review and Excerpt at Of Pens and Pages.
R.S. Grey sure can write rom-com! The Fortunate Ones is the kind of story that creeps up on you and fully puts down its roots in your heart until you're sure it would stay there, and you don't even notice it until the deed is done. That's how I felt when I finished reading this book. The story is engaging, sexy, and hilarious, and I devoured this from start to finish.
Twin Oaks is an exclusive country club for the elite, the richest and most powerful in Austin, Texas, and Brooke Davenport is at the heart of it. She’s working there as a cabana girl until she finds a new position as an au pair and goes back to teaching Spanish or French.
What she imagined as an unimaginable time at the country club is anything but because of a certain patron. James Ashwood, a man everyone at the country club and pretty much the world fawns over. The seemingly larger than life man has caught the attention of everyone at the club, even Brooke, and when he suddenly starts talking to her, she’s pulled in a whirlwind romance with a man she knows she shouldn’t have.
He and Brooke are at different stages of their lives, and it’s hard to find a compromise for them, because no matter what happens, one of them has to sacrifice their goals to be together.
My heart belongs to James Ashwood. He’s so consistent, so steadfast in his feels. Omggggggg I might just die with the feels. At 36, he’s ready to settle down and make a home of his house. Once he falls in love, he falls hard. I was swooning so much that this man who’s been so used to being alone has fallen in love with Brooke, and gah. His love is the kind that stands through time and distance, I swear.
I can understand why it took them a while to end up together, and I’m actually happy with the path Brooke and James chose. It helped them grow more into themselves, and they ended up as better people because of it. I feel like although the two have a deep love already even at a short time, it wasn’t the right time for them. Their relationship would have been filled with resentment and regret if they started right away, and it wouldn’t bode well for them. I have to be honest and say though that it annoyed me at times when Brooke would come running back every time she pushed James away. I felt like she was stringing him along.
I was only 14% in and I was hooked with the hilarious banter between Brooke and James, and basically everyone in the story. Plus, the chemistry is amazing, it's so hard not to root for them. By the end of the story, I'm completely in love with James Ashwood (I totally get why everyone at Twin Oaks is obsessed with him! I would be if I worked there lol), I'm attached to Brooke and James' romance, and I want to read about Ellie, Brooke's sister! But mainly I want to read more about James and Brooke. Call me selfish, but I want me some more James.
The Fortunate Ones had R.S. Grey’s signature humor and fantastic banter, and while it feels familiar, it’s also more mature and a little bit angstier than her past works. I’m pretty sure I love this book as much as A Place in the Sun. The Fortunate Ones makes you laugh then punches you in the face with feels—happy and sad—before wrapping you up in love and sexual tension and the best happy feels a book can give.
Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire
POV: First Person, Female POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
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November 2, 2017
➦Well, my review was due today. I was so sure I wouldn't be able to post it. But then I started reading the book last night and I completely DEVOURED it.
➦R.S. Grey just knows how to write a great romcom with enough steam and angst to keep you engrossed in it from cover to cover. I LOVED this hero. But then again, put a suit on it and I'll probably love it.
➦But let me tell ya, if you're into rich heroes who are NOT absolute douches, then you will love this guy. He is very reserved and respectful.... kinda mysterious, or something.
➦The heroine is a cabana girl at the country club and she instantly catches the eye of our hero here. These two dance around each other for a while. He is older and wants a family, while she wants to find a job abroad and do some traveling. So they know from the start their relationship is not going to last. But staying away from each other is verra verra hard.
➦I felt like the pace of the story slowed down considerably in the second half and, perhaps, I could have done with a shorter conclusion, but I loved it nonetheless! A definite recommend from me if you're a fan of romantic comedies and "friends first" romantic tropes.
May 11, 2018
I absolutely adore this author and her stories!!
I’ve always throughly enjoyed her writing and her books always grip me with emotions.
Simply loved this sweet book. Hated the little break in-between but dang it I want more James & Brooke pretty pretty please.
I’ve always throughly enjoyed her writing and her books always grip me with emotions.
Simply loved this sweet book. Hated the little break in-between but dang it I want more James & Brooke pretty pretty please.
November 1, 2017
LIVE AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/Fortunate-Ones...
5 AMAZING Stars ❤
I devoured it. Such a fantastic story.It has everything I want in a story, slow burn,angst,passion,intensity and hot moments.I didn't want to end it, because it was so good.I cannot express how much I loved it.
Brooke and James rocked this story.I was so intrigued with both of them, I couldn't wait to see how things will end up for these two.Their chemistry is off the charts hot and I loved their relationship.Brooke is sassy and James dark,smart and sexy.Can you imagine these two together? They are like an explosion each time they were together.
There isn't a book I haven't read from Rachel and this one is one of her best works.If you are looking for an addictive story and amazing characters to rock your world this is perfect.
5 AMAZING Stars ❤
I devoured it. Such a fantastic story.It has everything I want in a story, slow burn,angst,passion,intensity and hot moments.I didn't want to end it, because it was so good.I cannot express how much I loved it.
Brooke and James rocked this story.I was so intrigued with both of them, I couldn't wait to see how things will end up for these two.Their chemistry is off the charts hot and I loved their relationship.Brooke is sassy and James dark,smart and sexy.Can you imagine these two together? They are like an explosion each time they were together.
There isn't a book I haven't read from Rachel and this one is one of her best works.If you are looking for an addictive story and amazing characters to rock your world this is perfect.
February 4, 2018
While this was overall a really fun and sassy read, I couldn’t help but notice how controlling and physical the love interest was when he couldn’t get what he wanted. It rubbed me wrong and ultimately ended up affecting how much I enjoyed this :(
I will be reading more from RS Grey in the future though because I LOVED her book Anything You Can Do and I’m hoping this one was just a fluke.
I will be reading more from RS Grey in the future though because I LOVED her book Anything You Can Do and I’m hoping this one was just a fluke.
August 14, 2018
"2,5 Quite Disappointed Stars"
The only thing I liked about this book was James! And not always!
This book was so damn frustrating!!! I was in such a bad mood while reading it. You may ask why I kept reading it, I don't know to tell you the truth! No idea!
Ohh I know because I had enjoyed the books I have read from this author and I wanted to see where the hell this one was going... Nowhere! Same old shit during the whole book!
First of all WHY DIDN'T WE GET JAMES POV???? WHY???
Second of all, I didn't LIKE Brooke at all!
There were a lot of wrong things with this book for me! Too many to count! Brooke infuriated me and I wanted to smack the hell out of her. She was immature and changed her mind in a blink. I don't know how James tolerated her. There was not communication whatsoever between them. They couldn't carry a conversation until there was a solution or an understanding. No that would have been too good! And Brooke didn't want a serious relationship but she didn't want him to find another one either! Make up your mind BITCH! And let us know, because that kept going through the whole book! And suddenly in the end you realized you couldn't live without him, even though you lived without him for a year and a half???
James was kind of absent from this book. Even though I liked him! We see him here and there but only the things Brooke see and think of him. We don't get a clear picture of him. These two weren't a suitable couple. No chemistry. They got pissed, fought and left things like that. Not make up sex. And they didn't interact a lot in this book. They both had their dreams and lives and they met here and there, kissed a few times or had sex. Actually they had sex 2 times and one of them we didn't get the whole scene, so that's not sex scenes at all!
The storyline was kind of nice, but James and especially Brooke were NOT! They needed development or another more suitable partner...
P.S.Ellie was great! Hope we get her book with Alejandro!
P.S.S. Don't hate me, but this book didn't work out for me!
The only thing I liked about this book was James! And not always!
This book was so damn frustrating!!! I was in such a bad mood while reading it. You may ask why I kept reading it, I don't know to tell you the truth! No idea!
Ohh I know because I had enjoyed the books I have read from this author and I wanted to see where the hell this one was going... Nowhere! Same old shit during the whole book!
First of all WHY DIDN'T WE GET JAMES POV???? WHY???
Second of all, I didn't LIKE Brooke at all!
There were a lot of wrong things with this book for me! Too many to count! Brooke infuriated me and I wanted to smack the hell out of her. She was immature and changed her mind in a blink. I don't know how James tolerated her. There was not communication whatsoever between them. They couldn't carry a conversation until there was a solution or an understanding. No that would have been too good! And Brooke didn't want a serious relationship but she didn't want him to find another one either! Make up your mind BITCH! And let us know, because that kept going through the whole book! And suddenly in the end you realized you couldn't live without him, even though you lived without him for a year and a half???
James was kind of absent from this book. Even though I liked him! We see him here and there but only the things Brooke see and think of him. We don't get a clear picture of him. These two weren't a suitable couple. No chemistry. They got pissed, fought and left things like that. Not make up sex. And they didn't interact a lot in this book. They both had their dreams and lives and they met here and there, kissed a few times or had sex. Actually they had sex 2 times and one of them we didn't get the whole scene, so that's not sex scenes at all!
The storyline was kind of nice, but James and especially Brooke were NOT! They needed development or another more suitable partner...
P.S.Ellie was great! Hope we get her book with Alejandro!
P.S.S. Don't hate me, but this book didn't work out for me!
April 13, 2018
Audiobook Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Story: 4.5 stars
Performance: 4.5 stars
The Fortunate Ones had R.S. Grey’s signature humor and fantastic banter, and while it feels familiar, it’s also more mature and a little bit angstier than her past works. It makes you laugh then punches you in the face with feels—happy and sad—before wrapping you up in love and sexual tension and the best happy feels a book can give.
Full book review here.
WOULD YOU LISTEN TO THE FORTUNATE ONES AGAIN? WHY?
Definitely! This is my second R.S. Grey audiobook, and I have to say, this author got lucky with her narrators! I loved the story when I first read the book, and loved it even more when I listened to it. I don't know about you, but there's something so personal and intimate about listening to a person tell a story. The sexual tension was even stronger, and the characters' feelings jumped up to me. This is my first audiobook narrated by Ms. Pressley, and kudos to her for an amazing performance.
WHAT ABOUT BRITTANY PRESSLEY'S PERFORMANCE DID YOU LIKE?
Brittany Pressley was brilliant in bringing Brooke Davenport and the characters in this book to life. Her voice was pleasant to listen to, full of emotion and life, and I enjoyed her pace just right. I'm not fluent in French, but I thought she did a wonderful job of speaking it. She was also wonderful in portraying different characters, and sometimes I'd forget only one person is narrating it. I particularly love her portrayal of Luciana and Olive, the kids of Brooke's AU pair host.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS AUDIOBOOK TO A FRIEND? WHY?
Yes. This audiobook had a wonderful narrator, and it made listening to this story even more enjoyable. If you enjoy R.S. Grey's signature humor and wit, you'll enjoy listening to The Fortunate Ones.
Tropes: Age Gap, Billionaire
POV: First Person, Female POV
Standalone: Yes
*Audiobook received in exchange for an honest review.
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October 31, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Brooke Davenport is a gorgeous 25 yr. old woman living in Austin, Texas. She graduated from UT & majored in French & Spanish, and then spent a year traveling. She wants to work for a family & tutor abroad as an au pair, but until she lands her dream job, she still needs to pay rent. She comes from a wealthy family, but wants to make it on her own. While she looks for her ideal job, she makes ends meet at the Twin Oaks Country Club where she’s worked as a cabana girl for the past three months.
The only perk at her job is the delicious eye candy that is James Ashwood. James is a rich, successful 36 yr. old businessman who knows how to wear a suit. He’s stunningly beautiful, & talked about by all the females at the club. He’s a legacy member, a tech mogel, & one of Austin’s most eligible bachelors. She’s only caught glimpses of him in passing, & seen him from afar in his Porsche, then one evening she comes face to face with her secret crush. He’s alone at the bar & asks her to join him. He’s even more gorgeous close up, & she’s embarrassed by how affected she is by him.
-His eyes meet mine across the dining room. A ton of bricks fall on my chest. I’m paralyzed. And then he smiles, and it’s small, hidden, like we’re both in on a private joke, but there’s no time to read into it.
-That smile is dangerous. A girl could be convinced to do just about anything with a smile like that.
James is charming & sexy, and soon Brooke is completely infatuated with him, but when things begin to progress between them she gets scared & puts on the brakes. They have different life plans. He wants a commitment & to settle down, and she doesn’t want strings. She has goals & wants to be free to follow her dreams, but will love derail her plans?
I really loved this book and this beautiful man. James Ashwood was super swoony & I couldn’t put this book down. R.S. Grey has become a go to author for me. I’ve read every book she’s written since I first opened one of her books. She always creates book boyfriends I fall in love with. I highly recommend this one! It’s fabulous!
Brooke Davenport is a gorgeous 25 yr. old woman living in Austin, Texas. She graduated from UT & majored in French & Spanish, and then spent a year traveling. She wants to work for a family & tutor abroad as an au pair, but until she lands her dream job, she still needs to pay rent. She comes from a wealthy family, but wants to make it on her own. While she looks for her ideal job, she makes ends meet at the Twin Oaks Country Club where she’s worked as a cabana girl for the past three months.
The only perk at her job is the delicious eye candy that is James Ashwood. James is a rich, successful 36 yr. old businessman who knows how to wear a suit. He’s stunningly beautiful, & talked about by all the females at the club. He’s a legacy member, a tech mogel, & one of Austin’s most eligible bachelors. She’s only caught glimpses of him in passing, & seen him from afar in his Porsche, then one evening she comes face to face with her secret crush. He’s alone at the bar & asks her to join him. He’s even more gorgeous close up, & she’s embarrassed by how affected she is by him.
-His eyes meet mine across the dining room. A ton of bricks fall on my chest. I’m paralyzed. And then he smiles, and it’s small, hidden, like we’re both in on a private joke, but there’s no time to read into it.
-That smile is dangerous. A girl could be convinced to do just about anything with a smile like that.
James is charming & sexy, and soon Brooke is completely infatuated with him, but when things begin to progress between them she gets scared & puts on the brakes. They have different life plans. He wants a commitment & to settle down, and she doesn’t want strings. She has goals & wants to be free to follow her dreams, but will love derail her plans?
I really loved this book and this beautiful man. James Ashwood was super swoony & I couldn’t put this book down. R.S. Grey has become a go to author for me. I’ve read every book she’s written since I first opened one of her books. She always creates book boyfriends I fall in love with. I highly recommend this one! It’s fabulous!
November 9, 2017
Dear authors: stop passing off forced kisses as ‘romantic’ and ‘sexy.’ Instead try this for size - ‘ABUSE.’ It’s 2017, I’m tired of this shit.
How to identify said assault/abuse?
Pro-tip: if a kiss involves phrases like “I struggle against him” and the character has to “try to shove him off” AND - I can’t believe this - “I know I won’t be able to outmaneuver him, so I resist in a simpler fashion by holding completely still” then that is abuse.
How to identify said assault/abuse?
Pro-tip: if a kiss involves phrases like “I struggle against him” and the character has to “try to shove him off” AND - I can’t believe this - “I know I won’t be able to outmaneuver him, so I resist in a simpler fashion by holding completely still” then that is abuse.
February 27, 2019
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the majority of this book and I really liked both characters. The only problem I had was the drawn out ending. I'm just not a fan of those kinds of slow-to-happen endings and they always leave me wondering if the characters will actually stay together. It didn't help that this is a story only told from the heroine's POV so I never got to see what James was doing while he and Brooke were apart. But, like I said, I did enjoy this overall story and I found it captivating to see what would finally push these two together for good.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the majority of this book and I really liked both characters. The only problem I had was the drawn out ending. I'm just not a fan of those kinds of slow-to-happen endings and they always leave me wondering if the characters will actually stay together. It didn't help that this is a story only told from the heroine's POV so I never got to see what James was doing while he and Brooke were apart. But, like I said, I did enjoy this overall story and I found it captivating to see what would finally push these two together for good.
November 2, 2017
When Austin’s most eligible bachelor, James Ashwood, saunters into her life, Brooke Davenport is struggling to find the job of her dreams that will allow her to do what she studied for and fulfill her wanderlust as opposed to being tied to a job she hates serving snooty club members. But James has a five year plan of his own. Can this ill-suited couple overcome their age gap and find a way for their different life paths to intersect in order to find their happy ever after?
R.S. Grey writes about self-discovery and growth well. Her book will speak to anyone who has ever felt the need to discover oneself before anything else including lifelong commitment that come in beautiful packages like James Ashwood. Brooke and James may be at different stages of their lives, but their romance makes a compelling argument for the beauty of giving someone space, and a love that will prevail over time and distance. If you prefer your romance with a little more on the angsty side, this is a good book for you.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2gJKPKh
The Fortunate Ones a standalone contemporary romance by author R.S. Grey. It is a romantic comedy, told from both the heroine’s point of view with a happy ending.
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
R.S. Grey writes about self-discovery and growth well. Her book will speak to anyone who has ever felt the need to discover oneself before anything else including lifelong commitment that come in beautiful packages like James Ashwood. Brooke and James may be at different stages of their lives, but their romance makes a compelling argument for the beauty of giving someone space, and a love that will prevail over time and distance. If you prefer your romance with a little more on the angsty side, this is a good book for you.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2gJKPKh
The Fortunate Ones a standalone contemporary romance by author R.S. Grey. It is a romantic comedy, told from both the heroine’s point of view with a happy ending.
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
no-way-jose
November 6, 2017I’m in shock. Reading the excerpts in this review made my stomach turn.
Let’s call it what it is: abuse and assault.
Horrible
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some reviewers also said they spent little time together (about 10%), didn’t talk much and acted very immature for their ages (male:36, female:25- acting like teenagers).
Indecisive, wishy washy female, asshole male. And just one pov; the female mc. I'd rather not read a book with just one pov. It feels like incomplete story, unfinished business. Every story has 2 sides and staying in just one head ( specially when authors make the female mc a whining immature indecisive bitch) is just a struggle I don't want on my relaxing time.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And with this review I found out the heroine is also an asshole. I hate immature, pathetic, drama queen girls. When they can't get their way, they blame someone else for their shitty choices.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Let’s call it what it is: abuse and assault.
Horrible
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Some reviewers also said they spent little time together (about 10%), didn’t talk much and acted very immature for their ages (male:36, female:25- acting like teenagers).
Indecisive, wishy washy female, asshole male. And just one pov; the female mc. I'd rather not read a book with just one pov. It feels like incomplete story, unfinished business. Every story has 2 sides and staying in just one head ( specially when authors make the female mc a whining immature indecisive bitch) is just a struggle I don't want on my relaxing time.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And with this review I found out the heroine is also an asshole. I hate immature, pathetic, drama queen girls. When they can't get their way, they blame someone else for their shitty choices.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 30, 2017
3 It was okay stars
This is my first R.S. Grey book. I should have done some research prior to reading and gotten one with higher ratings, because the ratings on this one is true.
The Fortune Ones isn’t a bad book, it just had elements that didn’t get properly executed.
The first 75% of the book was a decent 4 stars, but the last 25% of the book was (and I hate to say it) was pure rubbish. I skimmed mostly the boring parts and only read the interaction between the two main characters.
I picked up this book because I liked the summary. I liked the idea of a girl working at a country club while she finds herself and she snags the eye of a rich guy.
The interaction between Brooke and James was lacking. I liked reading the parts in Brooke trying to find herself, but eventually that became too much and I really started to hate her.
I get it, the girl is young and James is older. She wants to find herself, but this stuff isn’t realistic. There isn’t any twenty something girl that would turn down a rich guy time and time again (let me remind you, he was perfectly nice) because she wants to travel. YUP. You heard me. TRAVEL. She wasn’t trying to cure cancer folks.
As much as I love reading a book where the Hero chases after the Heroine, there was something off. Like the Heroine didn’t care enough and the Hero didn’t chase hard enough. Both of them were too prideful to do the thing that counts.
Be with each other!
Even though this book was a little disappointing, I appreciate it and this won’t be the last book by this author.
This is my first R.S. Grey book. I should have done some research prior to reading and gotten one with higher ratings, because the ratings on this one is true.
The Fortune Ones isn’t a bad book, it just had elements that didn’t get properly executed.
The first 75% of the book was a decent 4 stars, but the last 25% of the book was (and I hate to say it) was pure rubbish. I skimmed mostly the boring parts and only read the interaction between the two main characters.
I picked up this book because I liked the summary. I liked the idea of a girl working at a country club while she finds herself and she snags the eye of a rich guy.
The interaction between Brooke and James was lacking. I liked reading the parts in Brooke trying to find herself, but eventually that became too much and I really started to hate her.
I get it, the girl is young and James is older. She wants to find herself, but this stuff isn’t realistic. There isn’t any twenty something girl that would turn down a rich guy time and time again (let me remind you, he was perfectly nice) because she wants to travel. YUP. You heard me. TRAVEL. She wasn’t trying to cure cancer folks.
As much as I love reading a book where the Hero chases after the Heroine, there was something off. Like the Heroine didn’t care enough and the Hero didn’t chase hard enough. Both of them were too prideful to do the thing that counts.
Be with each other!
Even though this book was a little disappointing, I appreciate it and this won’t be the last book by this author.
December 20, 2017
I really liked this one, despite me yelling at my kindle, apparently loud enough to interrupt my husband watching the news (why would you even want to watch the news anyway!!)
Brooke is a 25 years old, and is currently working at a country club as a cabana girl. She is waiting to land her dream job and hopes to travel the world. What she did not plan on was to fall for James Ashwood, a rich tech mogul who is drop dead gorgeous and has taken an interest in Brooke. Their chemistry is hot from the very beginning, from sultry stares to tingling touches. The push and pull is relentless, and James does not want to give up. But Brooke has life plans, and when it is time to make the big decision, she realizes no matter her choice, it will be heartbreaking, hence me yelling at my kindle. Even though I didn’t like her decision(s), I did understand them.
It was a very enjoyable read, even though the pace was slow in some areas, it did pick up to finish up strong with a nice epilogue.
Brooke is a 25 years old, and is currently working at a country club as a cabana girl. She is waiting to land her dream job and hopes to travel the world. What she did not plan on was to fall for James Ashwood, a rich tech mogul who is drop dead gorgeous and has taken an interest in Brooke. Their chemistry is hot from the very beginning, from sultry stares to tingling touches. The push and pull is relentless, and James does not want to give up. But Brooke has life plans, and when it is time to make the big decision, she realizes no matter her choice, it will be heartbreaking, hence me yelling at my kindle. Even though I didn’t like her decision(s), I did understand them.
It was a very enjoyable read, even though the pace was slow in some areas, it did pick up to finish up strong with a nice epilogue.
September 22, 2021
Age gap romance, that actually made sense here. The h being 25 and the H being 36. Clearly I could tell that one of them is older, wiser and more mature than the other.
It also was a little different than the other books I have been reading so far. The H wants to settle down and have kids where as the h just wants a few months of passionate affair until she finds a job tutoring job.
I actually enjoyed the push and pull between them , but the ending…. It was just too quick. I wanted more groveling from the h and wanted to read more about the MC’s as an official couple.
I feel like most of RS Greys books have this same pattern, I have liked a few of her other books that I’ve read but always have the same issue with the ending. Not enough groveling or moments with the MC’s being together as an official couple, they make up within seconds and then we are straight off sent to the epilogue with some time jump.
It also was a little different than the other books I have been reading so far. The H wants to settle down and have kids where as the h just wants a few months of passionate affair until she finds a job tutoring job.
I actually enjoyed the push and pull between them , but the ending…. It was just too quick. I wanted more groveling from the h and wanted to read more about the MC’s as an official couple.
I feel like most of RS Greys books have this same pattern, I have liked a few of her other books that I’ve read but always have the same issue with the ending. Not enough groveling or moments with the MC’s being together as an official couple, they make up within seconds and then we are straight off sent to the epilogue with some time jump.
November 2, 2017
SO excited for this!
November 12, 2017
What the fuck did I just read?!!!
Hmmm I am so blown away by all the 4 and 5 stars this book has. I have read almost all of her other books and I really like them. So I dont know if this is her exception.
These two characters have zero chemistry, zero love, it was sooo stupid and immature. So someone drugs her on their first date and they crashed on their second?!!! Hmmm WTF!!! Also, sooooo wordy and very descriptive and not in a good way.
Most importantly why is he kissing her against her will? Just because he is rich and hot? Ughhh I was truly disgusted by the immaturity of this stupid naive little girl. Way to portray a “strong independent woman”
I completely missed the part where they “fall in love”
Also, romantic comedy?!! Uhmmm soooo what where the funny parts?? Where she keeps going back and forth on her word to move on? When he leaves her waiting for 2 hrs in the restaurant without a single care? Where she begs him to take her back? When she keeps calling him and no answer? When he doesnt do anything after the other girl humiliated her on the floor? Fuck, if she is supposedly that fucking hot and has her priorities straight, why is she soooooo needy and desperate?!!
In my humble opinion these two needed to just grow the fuck up and move on.
This books was super long an a waste of my time. I had to DNF like at 70 ish % #sorrynotsorry
Hmmm I am so blown away by all the 4 and 5 stars this book has. I have read almost all of her other books and I really like them. So I dont know if this is her exception.
These two characters have zero chemistry, zero love, it was sooo stupid and immature. So someone drugs her on their first date and they crashed on their second?!!! Hmmm WTF!!! Also, sooooo wordy and very descriptive and not in a good way.
Most importantly why is he kissing her against her will? Just because he is rich and hot? Ughhh I was truly disgusted by the immaturity of this stupid naive little girl. Way to portray a “strong independent woman”
I completely missed the part where they “fall in love”
Also, romantic comedy?!! Uhmmm soooo what where the funny parts?? Where she keeps going back and forth on her word to move on? When he leaves her waiting for 2 hrs in the restaurant without a single care? Where she begs him to take her back? When she keeps calling him and no answer? When he doesnt do anything after the other girl humiliated her on the floor? Fuck, if she is supposedly that fucking hot and has her priorities straight, why is she soooooo needy and desperate?!!
In my humble opinion these two needed to just grow the fuck up and move on.
This books was super long an a waste of my time. I had to DNF like at 70 ish % #sorrynotsorry
November 2, 2017
This is my seventh book by the author and I can admit that I am a big fan. Her books are just like her. Sweet, funny and most charming. They have a lot of warmth and entertainment. I really love it, and it was no different with this book. Or even better, because it’s a pretty good rollercoaster.
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ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
October 30, 2017
I have been a huge fan of RS Grey for over two years now and have read a countless number of her books. I'm shocked to say that The Fortunate Ones is unlike anything Rachel has ever written and a new favorite of mine by her!
Brooke Davenport's five year plan includes traveling the world and tutoring students in the variety of languages she's fluent in. It doesn't include working as a cabana girl at Twin Oaks Country Club. With the way things are currently going for her, though, that's exactly where she might still be in five years. James Ashwood, on the other hand, has a very different five year plan. In five years, James hopes to have a family and continue to have a thriving business that actually helps people. So when Brooke and James meet one night after Brooke's shift and their chemistry is undeniable, they both know that their relationship can never last. But James Ashwood is a fortunate one, and the fortunate ones always get what they want.
Wow, where to start? While I was reading this one, I was all over the slow burn of Brooke and James's romance. I felt like I was reading a Mariana Zapata book with how long it took these two to FINALLLYYYYY get together after so much chemistry and heat between them. I think there was so much slow burn because there was an 11 year age gap between the two characters. While I normally hate age gaps, RS Grey did it so well and made the characters well aware of how far apart in age they were. That fact made them aware of the reality of their relationship and caused hesitancy on both of their parts.
What I also loved about this book was how determined and hardheaded both characters were. Brooke had a life goal and she was not about to let a man ruin that, no matter how much that decision hurt both of them. I loved how so much time passed in this novel and neither of the characters let their emotions rule their decisions. These characters were just so relatable and realistic when it came to following their dreams in life and didn't throw it all away for some chemistry like so many other characters in other books do. Brooke and James were so adult in their relationship, while still having a little fun with each other, and it was refreshing.
Overall, this is definitely a new favorite from RS Grey. While Scoring Wilder will always and forever be my favorite, The Fortunate Ones is another hit. Rachel does rom-coms like no other and when you start this book, you won't want to put it down.
Brooke Davenport's five year plan includes traveling the world and tutoring students in the variety of languages she's fluent in. It doesn't include working as a cabana girl at Twin Oaks Country Club. With the way things are currently going for her, though, that's exactly where she might still be in five years. James Ashwood, on the other hand, has a very different five year plan. In five years, James hopes to have a family and continue to have a thriving business that actually helps people. So when Brooke and James meet one night after Brooke's shift and their chemistry is undeniable, they both know that their relationship can never last. But James Ashwood is a fortunate one, and the fortunate ones always get what they want.
Wow, where to start? While I was reading this one, I was all over the slow burn of Brooke and James's romance. I felt like I was reading a Mariana Zapata book with how long it took these two to FINALLLYYYYY get together after so much chemistry and heat between them. I think there was so much slow burn because there was an 11 year age gap between the two characters. While I normally hate age gaps, RS Grey did it so well and made the characters well aware of how far apart in age they were. That fact made them aware of the reality of their relationship and caused hesitancy on both of their parts.
What I also loved about this book was how determined and hardheaded both characters were. Brooke had a life goal and she was not about to let a man ruin that, no matter how much that decision hurt both of them. I loved how so much time passed in this novel and neither of the characters let their emotions rule their decisions. These characters were just so relatable and realistic when it came to following their dreams in life and didn't throw it all away for some chemistry like so many other characters in other books do. Brooke and James were so adult in their relationship, while still having a little fun with each other, and it was refreshing.
Overall, this is definitely a new favorite from RS Grey. While Scoring Wilder will always and forever be my favorite, The Fortunate Ones is another hit. Rachel does rom-coms like no other and when you start this book, you won't want to put it down.
February 19, 2018
Brooke works at a country club. She doesn’t like working there and she hopes to be a tutor again soon. James is a member of the country club where Brooke works. Every woman at the country club talks about James and they all want him. Brooke is attracted to James, but she wants to travel and see the world more than to be in a relationship. James and Brooke keep running into each other and they love to spend time together.
On the one hand I liked Brooke and James, but on the other hand I got frustrated with Brooke sometimes and I don’t feel that I really know James. Brooke is smart, kind, independent, determined and maybe a little immature. James is rich, smart, successful, hardworking and closed off. He hasn’t been in a relationship for a long time. He likes Brooke from the start and he wants more, but James and Brooke want other things in life. There is an age difference of about 11 years between them. They only get together near the end.
The Fortunate Ones was my first read by RS Grey. I loved the sound of this book and I couldn’t wait to read it when it was released. I didn’t love it as much as I expected to love it. It made me laugh many times and the writing was great. It was a (very) slow burn romance. There was also a lot of push and pull between Brooke and James and I won’t have minded more conversations between them. Even though The Fortunate Ones was not a huge success for me, I’ll give another book by this author a try. I love the sound of some of them and I already own some, I just hope I love that one more than this one.
On the one hand I liked Brooke and James, but on the other hand I got frustrated with Brooke sometimes and I don’t feel that I really know James. Brooke is smart, kind, independent, determined and maybe a little immature. James is rich, smart, successful, hardworking and closed off. He hasn’t been in a relationship for a long time. He likes Brooke from the start and he wants more, but James and Brooke want other things in life. There is an age difference of about 11 years between them. They only get together near the end.
The Fortunate Ones was my first read by RS Grey. I loved the sound of this book and I couldn’t wait to read it when it was released. I didn’t love it as much as I expected to love it. It made me laugh many times and the writing was great. It was a (very) slow burn romance. There was also a lot of push and pull between Brooke and James and I won’t have minded more conversations between them. Even though The Fortunate Ones was not a huge success for me, I’ll give another book by this author a try. I love the sound of some of them and I already own some, I just hope I love that one more than this one.
February 14, 2018
3,5 Fortunate Stars
James Ashwood is the country’s club millionaire that everyone’s talk about it, Brooke is the person that interests him.
That interest soon peaks into something else but everything from their different lives, age difference and Brook’s restlessness don’t make things easier from them. And when things start to get more serious than they expected, can Brook goes at James speed?
If you usually read R. S. Grey this book may surprise you. It’s definitely more on the angsty contemporary romance than the romantic comedies she got us used to. I wasn’t expecting it and I’ve got to say I was a little (maybe unfairly) disappointed. It had some really sweet moments, some emotional ones and it’s definitely a solid romance book although I had some trouble connecting with the main characters as a couple at some moments: some of the situations felt rushed the ending definitely felt more like a quick “wrap-up” than with the conclusion of a story.
Anyway, if you like emotional romances with a powerful a sexy billionaire, you’ll probably like this one.
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Brooke was sweet and all, but definitely very immature. I get that was probably to accentuate the age difference between James and her but at times it felt too much. James was sexy in a “powerful guy in a suit” way and I liked him, although he did pass as a little too cold at times.
I reaaaaly didn’t like Brooke’s sister, Brook could be immature at times, but her sister was straight up a 15 year old entitled idiotic teenager in an adult body and she only made Brooke’s life harder than it should.
Steam: Some hot moments.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
James Ashwood is the country’s club millionaire that everyone’s talk about it, Brooke is the person that interests him.
That interest soon peaks into something else but everything from their different lives, age difference and Brook’s restlessness don’t make things easier from them. And when things start to get more serious than they expected, can Brook goes at James speed?
If you usually read R. S. Grey this book may surprise you. It’s definitely more on the angsty contemporary romance than the romantic comedies she got us used to. I wasn’t expecting it and I’ve got to say I was a little (maybe unfairly) disappointed. It had some really sweet moments, some emotional ones and it’s definitely a solid romance book although I had some trouble connecting with the main characters as a couple at some moments: some of the situations felt rushed the ending definitely felt more like a quick “wrap-up” than with the conclusion of a story.
Anyway, if you like emotional romances with a powerful a sexy billionaire, you’ll probably like this one.
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Brooke was sweet and all, but definitely very immature. I get that was probably to accentuate the age difference between James and her but at times it felt too much. James was sexy in a “powerful guy in a suit” way and I liked him, although he did pass as a little too cold at times.
I reaaaaly didn’t like Brooke’s sister, Brook could be immature at times, but her sister was straight up a 15 year old entitled idiotic teenager in an adult body and she only made Brooke’s life harder than it should.
Steam: Some hot moments.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
May 26, 2020
What a complex and emotional story.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the fact that I could see myself in Brooke. The desire to see the world, to live, to get out of town and experience different cultures filled with wonders and unique sights.
Lucky me I had nothing to hold me back.
Brooke on the other hand fell in love with a guy that had very different ideas and goals for his immediate future. James 11 years older, already experienced all of what Brooke was still dreaming about. He accomplished so much in life, that he couldn't wait to have his own family, wife and possible children to come home to after a long day at work.
It was unavoidable that their ideas of what they wanted out of life clashed. Their fledgling relationship was threatened from the very beginning but I applaud them for trying, even though something had to give. It was just a question of when and who would do the compromising.
I love the direction the author chose to took the story.
It was the right decision for Brooke to follow her dreams. Otherwise years later regret would have reared its ugly head. The Fortunate Ones packed an emotional punch that will stay with me for a long time.
On top of that the all over feeling I got from The Fortunate Ones reminded me very much of my favorite book by RS Grey - Scoring Wilder. James was a wonderful guy, steady, successful, down-to-earth. He had it all worked out and so much faith in Brooke that I really truly swooned. He met her and was intrigued enough to keep on going even so they were at such different periods in life.
Brooke was spunky, self-assured, and goal-oriented. I loved her drive, her dreams, and her pragmatic personality. Even though it ended up being a much more difficult decision than expected, I was pleased that she followed her dreams.
I also applaud the author for giving two characters that had such different goals in life a chance for a happily ever after.
It was necessary for Brooke to go through with her plans to find herself, and I greatly appreciate that the author didn't have her change her mind. It was so very important to the story but most of all to Brooke to follow her dreams.
I might not have LOVED their time apart, but it was a necessary step for Brooke and wonderful story arc.
As always I'm looking forward to the next R.S. Grey book.
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What I enjoyed most about this story was the fact that I could see myself in Brooke. The desire to see the world, to live, to get out of town and experience different cultures filled with wonders and unique sights.
Lucky me I had nothing to hold me back.
Brooke on the other hand fell in love with a guy that had very different ideas and goals for his immediate future. James 11 years older, already experienced all of what Brooke was still dreaming about. He accomplished so much in life, that he couldn't wait to have his own family, wife and possible children to come home to after a long day at work.
It was unavoidable that their ideas of what they wanted out of life clashed. Their fledgling relationship was threatened from the very beginning but I applaud them for trying, even though something had to give. It was just a question of when and who would do the compromising.
I love the direction the author chose to took the story.
It was the right decision for Brooke to follow her dreams. Otherwise years later regret would have reared its ugly head. The Fortunate Ones packed an emotional punch that will stay with me for a long time.
On top of that the all over feeling I got from The Fortunate Ones reminded me very much of my favorite book by RS Grey - Scoring Wilder. James was a wonderful guy, steady, successful, down-to-earth. He had it all worked out and so much faith in Brooke that I really truly swooned. He met her and was intrigued enough to keep on going even so they were at such different periods in life.
Brooke was spunky, self-assured, and goal-oriented. I loved her drive, her dreams, and her pragmatic personality. Even though it ended up being a much more difficult decision than expected, I was pleased that she followed her dreams.
I also applaud the author for giving two characters that had such different goals in life a chance for a happily ever after.
It was necessary for Brooke to go through with her plans to find herself, and I greatly appreciate that the author didn't have her change her mind. It was so very important to the story but most of all to Brooke to follow her dreams.
I might not have LOVED their time apart, but it was a necessary step for Brooke and wonderful story arc.
As always I'm looking forward to the next R.S. Grey book.
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October 26, 2017
Brooke has dreams of travelling the world and working as an au pair after graduating from college with fluent French and Spenish. She is trying to secure a new job but in the meantime she is working at the Twin Oaks Country Club as a cabana girl serving the ‘fortunate ones’ – self entitled, privileged people of Austin.
Spending her days running around after snobby bitches and their spoilt kids, being leared at by old balding men and propositioned by young hot shots is not how she envisioned her job to be but it is what it is. There is one bonus of working there though, James Ashwood. He is the very gorgeous, eligible club member that all the women fantasise about.
Nearing the end of a shift one evening, she is surprised to see him sitting alone at the bar and even more surprised when he invites her to sit with him for a drink. Brooke discovers that he is not as arrogant as she first thought he might be, in fact he is actually a really nice guy who is passionate about his business. After enjoying each other’s conversation they part ways and Brooke goes back to admiring him from afar.
‘I don’t want to overplay just how devastatingly handsome he looks. I mean, the heavens do crack open and tiny angels do start singing from above. That part is real, but I’m not sure if the earth really does tilt on its axis or if I’m just feeling unsteady perched on these Manolos.’
That one moment they shared has left a lasting effect on both of them. There was a connection between them that they both felt and James seems to want to explore it more. There is a problem in doing so though. They are both at very different places in their lives, Brooke has wanderlust and wants to see the world, James is busy launching a new product for his company. James is ready to settle down, marry and have children, Brooke is years away from wanting that with anyone.
Cutting their losses now, before they get too deep, seems to be the only option and the old adage ‘if you love someone set them free….’ comes into play. However, as much as they try to move on with their lives the connection between them never fades. What is the very thing you are running away from is the only thing that will fill the missing gap in your life?
Spending her days running around after snobby bitches and their spoilt kids, being leared at by old balding men and propositioned by young hot shots is not how she envisioned her job to be but it is what it is. There is one bonus of working there though, James Ashwood. He is the very gorgeous, eligible club member that all the women fantasise about.
Nearing the end of a shift one evening, she is surprised to see him sitting alone at the bar and even more surprised when he invites her to sit with him for a drink. Brooke discovers that he is not as arrogant as she first thought he might be, in fact he is actually a really nice guy who is passionate about his business. After enjoying each other’s conversation they part ways and Brooke goes back to admiring him from afar.
‘I don’t want to overplay just how devastatingly handsome he looks. I mean, the heavens do crack open and tiny angels do start singing from above. That part is real, but I’m not sure if the earth really does tilt on its axis or if I’m just feeling unsteady perched on these Manolos.’
That one moment they shared has left a lasting effect on both of them. There was a connection between them that they both felt and James seems to want to explore it more. There is a problem in doing so though. They are both at very different places in their lives, Brooke has wanderlust and wants to see the world, James is busy launching a new product for his company. James is ready to settle down, marry and have children, Brooke is years away from wanting that with anyone.
Cutting their losses now, before they get too deep, seems to be the only option and the old adage ‘if you love someone set them free….’ comes into play. However, as much as they try to move on with their lives the connection between them never fades. What is the very thing you are running away from is the only thing that will fill the missing gap in your life?
December 19, 2025
As the novel progressed further and further, I got bored. It was so dramatic and neither romantic nor comedic for me.
No chemistry in the main couple. The ML, even though he was very sweet on their one date, didn't seem like a main character to me. His side should've been explored.
No chemistry in the main couple. The ML, even though he was very sweet on their one date, didn't seem like a main character to me. His side should've been explored.
January 21, 2018
Loved it! Review to come!
November 1, 2017
View this review and many others on: 5171 Miles Book Blog.
Thanks to R.S. Grey for allowing me to be one of The Fortunate Ones who was able to read this book in advance. I’m bowing down to the master of Rom-Com!
When my favorite Texan Indie author is going to release a new novel, you better believe I’m all kinds of fidgety and jittery until I have a copy in my hands. Her novels always come at the right time, after I’ve been in a reading slump of epic proportions and am dying to read something light and fun. She’s my personal book-slump-breaking superhero!
So first of all, I have to do a little brag on her as an author before I delve into the dirty details of this book. If you didn’t know, Rachel Grey had a precious baby girl earlier this year and she still was able to crank out one of her longest novels to date. Forget about superhero, talk about SUPER-MOM! Writing books has become a family affair for her, which I deeply respect and admire. Her husband helps with rewrites and humor and her daughter keeps our Instagram feeds happy with doses of outrageous amounts of cuteness. I don’t think I could love her crew more if I tried!
Now, back to business – The Fortunate Ones. This book is a must-have for lovers of Romantic Comedy. This book has the perfect amount of everything – a dash of humor, a lot of angst, a pinch of drama, a touch of a European setting, and a nice helping of heat! All of these details rolled into one made the perfect book.
Brooke is selling her soul to save money by working as a Cabana girl at her local Austin country club. Sure, it has its slew of dirty old geezers and rich snobs, but amongst them, every girl in the same area code is drooling over the super handsome James Ashwood…except for Brooke. She’s ready to trade her life in Austin for work as a family’s au-pair, spending the rest of her twenties travelling the world. But when James turns out to be sweet, humble and unlike anything Brooke expected, she’s left wondering if she can allow a man who always gets what he wants to completely rock her world off the course she imagined.
I could not put this book down. I wanted to shirk all of my responsibilities and spend the day reading to the very end, but at the same time never wanting this story to be over. I loved the characters! Brooke was funny, down-to-earth, and smart. James was everything I look for in my book boyfriends! His humble attitude and soft spoken demeanor were the perfect balance to Brooke’s humorous personality. Even the secondary characters were fun to read about, and I’m hoping R.S. Grey’s next creation will feature Brooke’s sister Ellie and another male character from the final few chapters. I’d bet money on a beautiful Spanish romance being in the works!
The tension between the Brooke and James was done in the best possible way. The push and pull of their encounters kept me hooked until the very end. Their relationship was everything I hope a romance to be in the books I read. Needless to say, RS Grey nailed it with The Fortunate Ones. It’s going down as one of my favorite books of hers to date!
If you’re looking for a light and funny standalone, look no further!
Thanks to R.S. Grey for allowing me to be one of The Fortunate Ones who was able to read this book in advance. I’m bowing down to the master of Rom-Com!
When my favorite Texan Indie author is going to release a new novel, you better believe I’m all kinds of fidgety and jittery until I have a copy in my hands. Her novels always come at the right time, after I’ve been in a reading slump of epic proportions and am dying to read something light and fun. She’s my personal book-slump-breaking superhero!
So first of all, I have to do a little brag on her as an author before I delve into the dirty details of this book. If you didn’t know, Rachel Grey had a precious baby girl earlier this year and she still was able to crank out one of her longest novels to date. Forget about superhero, talk about SUPER-MOM! Writing books has become a family affair for her, which I deeply respect and admire. Her husband helps with rewrites and humor and her daughter keeps our Instagram feeds happy with doses of outrageous amounts of cuteness. I don’t think I could love her crew more if I tried!
Now, back to business – The Fortunate Ones. This book is a must-have for lovers of Romantic Comedy. This book has the perfect amount of everything – a dash of humor, a lot of angst, a pinch of drama, a touch of a European setting, and a nice helping of heat! All of these details rolled into one made the perfect book.
Brooke is selling her soul to save money by working as a Cabana girl at her local Austin country club. Sure, it has its slew of dirty old geezers and rich snobs, but amongst them, every girl in the same area code is drooling over the super handsome James Ashwood…except for Brooke. She’s ready to trade her life in Austin for work as a family’s au-pair, spending the rest of her twenties travelling the world. But when James turns out to be sweet, humble and unlike anything Brooke expected, she’s left wondering if she can allow a man who always gets what he wants to completely rock her world off the course she imagined.
I could not put this book down. I wanted to shirk all of my responsibilities and spend the day reading to the very end, but at the same time never wanting this story to be over. I loved the characters! Brooke was funny, down-to-earth, and smart. James was everything I look for in my book boyfriends! His humble attitude and soft spoken demeanor were the perfect balance to Brooke’s humorous personality. Even the secondary characters were fun to read about, and I’m hoping R.S. Grey’s next creation will feature Brooke’s sister Ellie and another male character from the final few chapters. I’d bet money on a beautiful Spanish romance being in the works!
The tension between the Brooke and James was done in the best possible way. The push and pull of their encounters kept me hooked until the very end. Their relationship was everything I hope a romance to be in the books I read. Needless to say, RS Grey nailed it with The Fortunate Ones. It’s going down as one of my favorite books of hers to date!
If you’re looking for a light and funny standalone, look no further!
November 1, 2017
★4.5 STARS★
The Fortunate Ones are the affluent who look to Twin Oaks Country Club as their personal playground. They flaunt their wealth and excess, and in a world where money reigns supreme, it’s Brooke Davenport’s job as cabana girl to meet all requests with a smile. Pampering over inflated egos is tough work when you’re as snarky as she is, but the upside is it pays the bills as she searches for her perfect position as an Au Pair.
The glimmer of joy she gets from her role comes in the form of devastatingly handsome, James Ashwood. His attendance is well documented and leaves many a flustered female in his wake. Although having never met him, his presence alone is a guilty pleasure Brooke is (secretly) unashamedly happy to revel in. Until now she’s contentedly lusted from afar, but being suckered into a dinner shift puts a change to all of that.
What should have been a power imbalance instead is the tentative beginnings of a friendship. I loved Brooke’s forwardness and the fact she wasn’t at all intimated by James’ wealth or success. The sexual chemistry kept me on edge and I rejoiced in the attraction they circled around. There are notable differences that should have made them an odd pairing, but the course of true love never did run as smooth as a Porsche.
From the cover to the banter, I loved it all! There were layers to this story that that added a great dynamic and made it all the more enjoyable. As well as the frivolity of the luxury, there was personal growth and enough emotion to pull at my heart strings. I was completely sold with its opulence. With The Fortunate Ones R.S. Grey sold the fantasy and I 100% bought into it.
September 22, 2018
*2.5*
Το πρώτο μισό του βιβλίου δεν μου άρεσε,αλλά το δεύτερο μισό ήταν αρκετά καλό.
Το πρώτο μισό του βιβλίου δεν μου άρεσε,αλλά το δεύτερο μισό ήταν αρκετά καλό.
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